Gary Rowett expects Joe Ledley to build on an impressive start to his Derby County career after his debut goal against Brentford at Griffin Park.
It took Ledley just 16 minutes to open his account for the Rams when he headed home after Sam Winnall nodded Tom Lawrence’s cross back across goal.
The Wales midfielder was making his first club appearance since facing Sunderland for Crystal Palace back in February after joining Derby as a free agent last week, and Rowett was more than pleased with his impact in tricky circumstances.
He told RamsTV: “It was a difficult decision in some ways to play him but he’s a good player and we know what he’s about. We brought him in to the club to see if he can add something a little bit different.
“I thought he did that at times and he showed his good composure and that he knows where the players are when the game moves quicker.
“He was trying to get us passing but of course he is going to find it difficult because he hasn’t played for six months.
“I thought he coped well with the game considering that and so I was really pleased with him.”
Ledley’s effort looked like it was going to be the winner after Derby put in a combative performance on the road, but they were foiled in the final few minutes by Ollie Watkins’ third goal of the season for the Bees.
Nonetheless, Rowett is satisfied with the start Ledley made and excited to see more in the coming weeks.
He added: “He took his goal really well; got in the box and headed it in to the far corner.
“We got to see his dance as well which is nice for him – it’s just a shame it wasn’t the winner.
“It was a good start for him and I am sure he will build up his fitness and sharpness from here.”
